Wildfires and smoke

[mendogurl]

Hi everyone-

So I live in southern california, pretty close to one of the wildfire's that are burning.
It is so smoky outside, I am worried about the chickens. There is a lot of ash as well.

I am thinking of taking them out of the run and putting them into the coop, but in the run I can mist them and keep them cooler than I can inside the coop. It's supposed to be 106 degrees today.

Opinions?

 

[LizzyJo]

When we had our fires near Santa Cruz, the smoke was everywhere. I would say it would be better to leave them out where you can mist them.

 

[LynneP]

Is it possible to put some canvas, hopsacking or something porous on the windward side to baffle the ash? I know that the heat is awful. Also, do they have low livestockbowls with water or a small sprinkler misting into one side of the run as suggested?

 

[mendogurl]

Quote:
They have a mister, and all sides of their coop have shade cloth. I think I'll put on a tarp and some cardboard boxes with ice in them.
They seem okay with the heat, but I am worried about the smoke. I know they have sensitive respiratory systems.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I think the misters will help with the smoke/ash as well as with the heat.

 

[LynneP]

You seem to have a good setup, would probably help to keep shade cloth wet too, or use the tarp to create a light curtain of water to catch and knock down the smoke and ash. Water also releases dissolved air (clean) when used to mist.

 

[sbs]

Hey Mendogurl, just wondering how you a faring with the fires. We are pretty close here in Altadena, and the smoke is terrible this morning. The heat was unbearable yesterday,I left the mister going on the coop most of the afternoon and it seemed to help. I was amazed that despite the heat and smoke and ash ,I actually got my first egg yesterday!

 

[LynneP]

I've been wondering too and wishing all of you with heat and/or smoke and ash- the very best.

 

[sbs]

Thanks for the good thoughts. I am actually worried this morning.The smoke is very bad. I am trying to formulate an evacuation plan for the chickens , just in case we need it today. Not sure how I will transport 4 hens at this point along with our important house stuff.

 

[mendogurl]

Quote:
Hi sbs,

I am in Altadena as well. Yesterday went okay, there was very little smoke at our place, left the mister on all day. 6 eggs from 8 chickens, so they didn't seem to be in trouble. But today I can barely see in front of my face, it is so smoggy.
Where in Altadena are you? Are you able to see the fire at all? My husband watched it all night, it had moved over the ridge, lots of flames. We are near the golf course.